The Role of Israfeel in the Hereafter (Angel of the Trumpet)

The Role of Israfeel in the Hereafter: The Angel of the Trumpet

In Islam, belief in angels is a fundamental aspect of Iman (faith). Among these angels, Israfeel (the Angel of the Trumpet) holds a unique and pivotal role, particularly in relation to the events of the Hereafter. Israfeel’s primary responsibility is to blow the trumpet, marking the commencement of significant events such as the end of the world and the Day of Judgment. This event will transform the entire universe and serve as the beginning of the eternal life in the Hereafter.

This article aims to provide an in-depth exploration of the role of Israfeel, the Angel of the Trumpet, in the context of the Hereafter. We will explore his mission as outlined in the Quran and Hadith, discuss the significance of his actions, and analyze how his role strengthens the Iman of Muslims.

Who is Israfeel?

Israfeel, known as Raphael in other religious traditions, is one of the four archangels in Islamic theology, along with Jibreel (Gabriel), Mikail (Michael), and Azrael (the Angel of Death). He is most famously known as the angel tasked with blowing the trumpet at the end of time, an event that will signal the commencement of the Day of Judgment.

The name “Israfeel” itself is derived from the Arabic word “Sur,” meaning trumpet or horn, which indicates his responsibility. His physical description is not clearly detailed in the Quran or Hadith, but various narrations suggest that Israfeel is of immense stature and has a great presence.

The Role of Israfeel in the End of the World

Israfeel’s central role in the Hereafter revolves around the blowing of the trumpet, which is mentioned in several Quranic verses. According to Islamic belief, Israfeel will blow the trumpet twice — the first blow will cause the destruction of the universe, and the second will initiate the resurrection of the dead for the Day of Judgment.

The First Blow: The End of the Universe

The first blow of the trumpet will bring about the end of the world. Everything in the heavens and the earth will come to an end. This event is a moment of great awe and terror, as all of creation, except for Allah, will be annihilated. This catastrophic event is described in the Quran as follows:

“And the Horn will be blown, and all who are in the heavens and all who are on the earth will fall dead, except for whom Allah wills. Then it will be blown another time, and at once they will be standing, looking on.”
Arabic:
وَنُفِخَ فِى ٱلصُّورِ فَصَعِقَ مَن فِى ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَمَن فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ إِلَّا مَن شَاءَ ٱللَّهُۚ ثُمَّ نُفِخَ فِيهِ أُخْرَىٰ فَإِذَا هُمْ قِيَٰمٌۭ يَنظُرُونَ
(Quran 39:68)

This blow signifies the complete and utter destruction of the world as it exists. Mountains will crumble, the sky will break apart, and the earth will shake violently. The dead will all perish once again, leaving only Allah’s will determining who survives this moment.

The Second Blow: The Resurrection

After the destruction caused by the first blow, Israfeel will blow the trumpet a second time. This second blast will mark the beginning of the resurrection, when all those who have died will be brought back to life for the Day of Judgment. This event is also mentioned in the Quran:

“And it is He who created the heavens and the earth in six days, and His Throne had been upon the water, that He might test you as to which of you is best in deed. But if you say, ‘Indeed, you are resurrected after death,’ those who disbelieve will surely say, ‘This is not but obvious magic.'”
Arabic:
وَهُوَ الَّذِى خَلَقَ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلۡأَرْضَ فِى سِتَّةِ أَيَّامٍۢ وَكَانَ عَرۡشُهُۥ عَلَى ٱلْمَآءِ لِّيَبْلُوَكُمْ أَيُّكُمۡ أَحْسَنُ عَمَلًۭا وَلَئِن قُلتَ إِنَّكُمۡ بَعۡدَ ٱلْمَوْتِ لَمَبْعُوثُونَ لَيَقُولَنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ إِنْ هَٰذَآ إِلَّآ سِحْرٌۭ مُّبِينٌۭ
(Quran 11:7)

This verse alludes to the resurrection and the eventual reckoning. After Israfeel blows the trumpet for the second time, the dead will rise from their graves, and every soul will be gathered for the great trial that is the Day of Judgment.

 The Significance of the Trumpet in the Hereafter

The trumpet is not just a physical object; it holds profound symbolic meaning in Islam. It is the divine instrument that announces the transition from one state of existence to another — from the world of life and death to the eternal existence of the Hereafter. The trumpet’s two blasts — the first one signaling the end, and the second one signaling the resurrection — serve as a reminder of Allah’s supreme power and control over all things.

In Islam, the trumpet signifies the finality of this world and the commencement of the eternal reality. The blowing of the trumpet is a clear sign that the final judgment has arrived, and every soul will be held accountable for its actions. It symbolizes the irreversible nature of the events to come.

Israfeel’s Role in the Resurrection: What Happens After the Blow?

After the resurrection is announced with the second blow of the trumpet, the people will be resurrected in the state they had died in, whether in a state of good deeds or bad deeds. Their hearts will be filled with fear and anxiety as they stand before Allah, awaiting their judgment.

The Quran describes this scene of resurrection and judgment as follows:

“And the earth will shine with the light of its Lord, and the Book will be placed, and the prophets and the witnesses will be brought, and it will be judged between them in truth, and they will not be wronged.”
Arabic:
وَجِئَ بِالْجَحِيمِ لِيُحْشَرُوا۟ ۖ وَتُوَفَّىٰ كُلُّ نَفْسٍۢ مَّا كَسَبَتْ وَهُمْ لَا يُظْلَمُونَ
(Quran 39:69)

At this stage, every individual will be questioned about their deeds, and they will be shown the records of their actions, which will either lead them to paradise or to punishment in Hell. This moment will be one of immense emotional and spiritual significance, as it will determine their eternal fate.

The Role of Israfeel in the Judgment Day

Israfeel’s role in the Day of Judgment does not end with the blowing of the trumpet. His role is also tied to the arrival of the various other angels who will witness and participate in the judgment process. The angelic hosts will be present, along with the questioning angels, who will record and present each individual’s deeds.

The Quran speaks of the gathering of all beings for the judgment:

“And We will gather them and We will not leave anyone behind.”
Arabic:
وَجَمَعْنَٰهُمْ فَلَا نُغَادِرُ مِنْهُمْ أَحَدًا
(Quran 18:47)

This verse indicates the complete gathering of all beings, both human and angelic, for the reckoning. Israfeel, as the angel who initiates the resurrection, will play a crucial role in ensuring that the divine process of judgment unfolds according to Allah’s will.

Israfeel’s Role and the Impact on Iman

Understanding the role of Israfeel and the events surrounding the end of the world, the resurrection, and the Day of Judgment can have a profound impact on the Iman of Muslims. Reflecting on Israfeel’s actions and his mission reminds Muslims of the ultimate reality of the Hereafter — that this world is transient, and the life to come is eternal.

 Strengthening Faith through the Reality of the Hereafter

Muslims are encouraged to reflect on the events of the Hereafter to strengthen their faith. The belief in the trumpet’s sound, the resurrection, and the final judgment reinforces the concept of accountability before Allah. The Quran and Hadith emphasize that the Hereafter is not a mere abstract idea but a reality that every Muslim must prepare for.

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

“The strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than the weak believer, while there is good in both.”
Arabic:
“ٱلْمُؤْمِنُ ٱلۡقَوِيُّ خَيْرٌۭ وَأَحَبُّ إِلَىٰ ٱللَّهِ مِنَ ٱلۡمُؤْمِنِ ٱلۡضَعِيفِ وَفِى كُلٍّۢ خَيْرٌۭ”
(Sahih Muslim)

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of strength in faith, a quality that is fortified by a believer’s recognition of the events of the Hereafter and the role that Israfeel plays in them. Strengthening one’s Iman through understanding the end of times motivates Muslims to live righteous lives in preparation for their ultimate accountability.

Conclusion

The role of Israfeel, the Angel of the Trumpet, in the Hereafter is of immense significance in Islamic eschatology. His actions — the blowing of the trumpet — will mark the end of the world and the commencement of the resurrection. Through the second blow of the trumpet, the entire world will come back to life for the final judgment. Israfeel’s role underscores the inevitability of the Hereafter and serves as a reminder of Allah’s supreme power.

The understanding of Israfeel’s role is an essential aspect of strengthening Iman for Muslims. It reminds them of the reality of death, resurrection, and the Day of Judgment. By reflecting on these events, Muslims are encouraged to live righteous lives in preparation for the Hereafter and to trust in Allah’s divine plan.